The circular reminds "all government officials and employees throughout the Philippine bureaucracy, particularly those holding non-political offices and positions, not to engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity."

The CSC journal also reveals that CSC has also issued Memorandum Circular 40, series of 1998, clarifying the definition of the phrase "partisan political activity" and enumerating the acts considered as such.

MC 40 defines the term election campaign and partisan political activity as an "act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to a public office."

Such acts include "forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate."

Other acts include the following:

Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes, and or undertaking for or against the election of any candidate for public office;

Making speeches, announcements or commentaries or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate of any public office;

Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; or

Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate.

CSC Journal reveals other acts (as cited in MC 40 of 1998) considered as partisan political activities which can be grounds for disciplinary action. These are:

Being a delegate to any political convention or member of any political committee or directorate or an officer of any political club or other similar political organizations;

Making speeches or publications to draw political support in behalf of any particular party or candidate for public office;

Soliciting or receiving contribution for political purposes, either directly or indirectly;

Becoming publicly identified with the success or failure of any candidate or candidates. (PIA XI/CSC Comval) [top]